The Stern Chase (The Brotherband Chronicles 9) by John Flanagan

What worked:

Hal is the skirl of the Heron, the fastest Skandian ship on the seas. He is a technological genius, as he’s modified the shape of the hull, the shape of the sails, and the innovative steering system. He’s also a master tactician and mathematician, and can analyze any situation to lead his crew to success. Hal has had the same crew since the series began, and they’re fiercely loyal to him. Twins Ulf and Wulf add levity to the story, and Lydia is surprised when they offer to be her bridesmaids, or bridesmen.

Iberian pirates disable all of the Skandian ships except for two. The Heron is kept in an area away from the other ships, so it's not discovered. Erak is Oberjal of the Skandians, and his wolfship is taken by the Iberians. The Skandians don’t initially know who committed the attack, but Hal slowly deduces that the Iberians are behind it. Most of the plot describes the Heron’s efforts to find the pirates, and it takes quite a while to locate anything in the ocean. Readers follow Hal’s logic, trial-and-error decisions, and strategy to finally exact some revenge against the Iberians. The author adds a twist to the mission by having Erak and his dog Kloof accompany Hal aboard the Heron. Erak is the leader of the Skandians, but Hal makes it clear that he’s the captain of his ship. Besides being a large, fierce protector, Kloof constantly has his eye on Erak’s staff. There’s an amusing cat-and-mouse game between them, as Kloof watches for an opportunity to steal and chew up the Oberjal’s symbol of authority.

What didn’t work as well:

Sailing is a large part of this book, and some young readers might not appreciate the author’s detailed descriptions of the skills and techniques required. A glossary of terms is presented before the first chapter, which is very helpful for understanding the explanations. The story includes some action and fight scenes, but most of the plot builds anticipation for a dramatic climax.

The final verdict:

This book can be read independently, but I recommend you start with the first one, The Outcasts. The technical sailing language and the story's mature nature make this book more appropriate for upper-middle-grade readers. There’s nothing inappropriate, and the violence isn’t graphic, but all of the characters are young adults or adults. Overall, I always enjoy Flanagan’s books, and I recommend you give this one a shot.

The Blossoming Summer by Anna Rose Johnson

What worked:

Twelve-year-old Rosemary is reunited with her family after being separated for three years. World War II is going on in Europe, and her parents couldn’t afford to keep everyone together. Think how much her younger brothers have changed physically and mentally in three years. The reunion isn’t as happy as readers might expect, since the siblings are almost strangers from being apart for so long. Nearly half of the boys’ lives have been with a family that was not their own. Rosemary feels it’s her duty to reunite the family and help defuse any conflicts.

The book is all about relationships. Rosemary’s father and grandmother have been feuding for decades, and their conflict simmers throughout the book, with outbursts surfacing at times. Rosemary is upset when she discovers her father never taught her about their Indian and French-Canadian heritage. She finds it fascinating and important, while her father thinks it’s pointless. Rosemary’s cousin is also staying with Grandmother and has a superior, disinterested attitude. It’s heartwarming to watch their relationship grow, as they share feelings and dreams and start spending time together.

Grandmother’s garden becomes an important site for the characters, as she’s determined to win many categories and quiet the bragging of her neighbors. Rosemary brings a violet from England and secretly plants it next to the other flowers. She dreams of living in a meadow full of colorful flowers, and she calls this imaginary place “Paradise”.  Grandmother recruits Rosemary to oversee most of the gardening, and Rosemary must convince her brothers and parents to help, too. This flower and vegetable garden is the catalyst that will bring healing and unity to the family.

What didn’t work as well:

From the book’s synopsis, readers might expect the Indian heritage to be a bigger factor, but it’s more of an issue between Grandmother and her son. Also, Rosemary promises to write letters to her friend back in England, and she works on a letter throughout the book. It might have felt better if she had actually sent more letters rather than one long one.

The final verdict:

This book tells an emotional story of family and feelings, as Rosemary tries to reunite her parents and siblings and heal the relationship between her father and grandmother. Including WW II adds historical context, and the simple life in the Wisconsin countryside is peaceful and beautiful. I recommend you give this heartwarming book a shot. 

The Last Ember: The Aerimander Chronicles Book 1 by Lily Berlin Dodd

What worked:

The author portrays Dusty as a sympathetic character by describing his life in an orphanage, or more accurately, a workhouse. The boys live in dismal conditions and are forced to work hard for the director/warden, Wakey-Wakey. He rouses the boys from nighttime sleep and looks for reasons to beat them with his dangerous stick. Readers immediately develop empathy for Dusty when he protects a new, young orphan from punishment for wetting his bed. Dusty knows he’ll be inducted into the kingdom’s navy when he’s fourteen, and he’s likely to die in the ongoing war. He joins the Thieves Union out of necessity, which leads to him kidnapping Eva, a rich girl at a private school.

The mystery of the egg carries suspense throughout the plot, as Eva, her roommate, and the Kingdom Director of Secrets, Eoin Parnassus, know the potential, devastating power it holds. The countdown to its hatching is always in the mental background, but readers know it can happen at any moment. Eva is told to not touch the egg, so of course, that’s exactly what happens. Dusty’s simple intent to steal the object becomes complicated when Eva can’t let go of it. Dusty and Eva develop a shaky relationship as they find refuge in the dense forest. Dusty doesn’t understand why Eva fails to alert others when she has the opportunity. Eva can’t understand why Dusty tried to steal the egg without knowing anything about it. The pair must avoid the Kidnappers Union, the Murderers Union, other nefarious Unions, and the Parnassus, because they’re certain that those people only want the egg to harm others. The author creates an air of mystery, as it’s unclear who can be trusted.

Some authors switch settings without any warning, and readers may need a moment to reorient their minds. This book makes it clear when Dusty and Eva won’t be mentioned in chapters by labeling them as Interlude I, Interlude II, etc. This simple strategy lets readers immediately know what to expect. These chapters often describe Parnassus and emphasize his malevolence and joy in causing pain in others. He’s the main antagonist, and his reputation is well-known throughout the kingdom. Some of the interludes involve Dusty’s best friend Cal, who’s one of the few people to return alive from the war. He’s missing one arm, but he’s survived. The interludes let readers know what minor characters are doing, and readers can then see the separate subplots converging into one.

What didn’t work as well:

Some chapters end with a date, like “October the Second”. The dates are written in a larger, bold font, so they seem to have significance. The story doesn’t count down to an important date, so readers may wonder why they’re being reminded with a large, bold font that time is passing.

The final verdict:

The prospect of an aerimander, a dragon, especially one that can destroy armies and cities, will draw readers in, and this book only hints at the possibilities. Eva and Dusty are an unlikely pair of main characters, and the mysterious, secret organizations are intriguing. I’m looking forward to the book’s sequel, and I recommend you try this one for yourself!

Detective Dogs- How Working Dogs Sniff Out Invasive Species by Alison Pearce Stevens

What worked:

The book focuses on dogs that locate invasive weeds, mollusks, and insects. The author helpfully defines the meaning of the term invasive for young readers, and information about the weeds, mollusks, and insects stands out by using colored pages. While there are many different invasive species, this book focuses specifically on saltcedar, perennial pepperweed, spotted lanternflies, and zebra mussels. The pages include explanations about why these plants and animals are destructive and how the dogs go about locating them. There’s more to it than simply letting the dogs sniff around. A few pages at the end describe what it takes to be a detective dog and what kind of people can become their handlers.

Each of the three book sections highlights three different dogs that have been trained to find the invasive species. It’s appropriate that the dogs provide a range of experiences and abilities. Fenton and Frost are experts at finding the invasive weeds, and they enjoy their rewards of playing with a Frisbee or a ball. The handlers display teamwork as they efficiently search the various islands in the Snake River. Hannah and Seuss expertly check for mussels along the shores of Lake Winnipeg (in Canada). However, Hilo seems to have more trouble, as the handler can’t find the mussels he’s alerted on. Fagen and Dia search for lanternflies in New York, and in some ways, their task is more challenging than with the other dogs. Peat has only learned three scents, so a couple of pages share a bit about his training.

What didn’t work as well:

Looking for weeds, mollusks, and insects isn’t the most exciting topic, but descriptions of the dogs and their movements will appeal to young readers. Some people might want to know more about how these dogs learn to recognize smells, so there could have been more information regarding this subject. However, the book shares information about the detective dogs without getting burdened down with dry facts.

The final verdict:

Books about dogs are always interesting for young readers, and these dogs have special talents. The subject of invasive species may not be attractive, but learning about the dogs’ skills is interesting. I recommend you give this book a shot.

Clarice Bean, Smile by Lauren Child

What worked:

Clarice is much like any average middle-grade student, and the story reflects events that are significant to her. She’s put off choosing a topic for a class project until the last minute and then worries that she might have made a mistake. Her best friend moved away to San Francisco in the previous book, and a new friend who replaced her is still in Europe. Clarice still has a loyal friend named Karl to support her, as he understands and accepts all of her quirks. Clarice’s parents are struggling with challenges in their jobs, but Clarice suspects there might be more going on with her dad. Her younger brother becomes terrified of centipedes, and her older sister is moody. And then there’s the annoying neighbor who overreacts when Clarice or her siblings stand on or lean against her stone wall.

Clarice is a devoted fan of everything Ruby Redfort. She tries to never miss a show, and she reads and rereads the series of magazines featuring Ruby Redfort. Clarice likes her neighbor, Nice Sandy, although she’s a big distraction when talking through the Ruby Redfort program. The magazines present many topics, but the story focuses on the meanings of different smiles. Clarice often interprets others’ smiles and tries manipulating her mouth to convey different nonverbal connotations. The author utilizes a different font type to make these references stand out, as well as relevant quotes from Ruby Redfort.

The myriad of minor happenings fill much of the plot, but there are a couple of long-term conflicts running throughout. The neighborhood sidewalks are being lifted by tree roots, causing them to become tripping hazards. Clarice’s grandfather already has trouble keeping his balance, so walking the dog, Cement, can be dangerous. Some people want the trees removed, but others enjoy their beauty and want them saved. Clarice has a creative idea for her project and works hard with her older brother’s help. However, an unexpected problem arises, causing her to become sad and want to give up. Finally, her parents' job issues only worsen, and something needs to be done. Clarice surprisingly comes to the rescue.

What didn’t work as well:

The description of Clarice’s thinking often jumps from topic to topic, much like young minds are prone to do. However, it can be harder to keep track of what’s actually happening when other thoughts pop into her head.

The final verdict:

Young readers can connect with Clarise’s character and enjoy all of the ups and downs. The author infuses valuable lessons for life, including the importance of maintaining balance in our lives and in nature. I recommend you give the book a shot.

Unboxing Libby by Steph Cherrywell

What worked:

The book introduces characters uniquely, as Libby is literally unboxed in the first chapter. She’s a new Libby robot, and she downloads memories of her “life” and her mother, another robot version called Nora. Despite being robots, the characters mostly sound and act like humans. This makes the story relatable to young readers, even though most of the characters are androids living on Mars. The idea is for the androids to simulate the role of humans living on the planet to figure out potential problems for future settlers. Interpersonal drama ensues.

The androids have preprogrammed appearances and personalities, with Libbys being the nicest and Roxannes being snobby and mean. Libby is the newest robot to start school, and the other Libbys give her the nickname Max. The story becomes more intriguing when Roxanne points out that Max is not behaving like other Libbys. Everyone expects her to make others happy, but Max begins thinking more independently. The human doctor and Roxanne are shocked when Max reveals she can cross The Boundary. This invisible line is supposed to keep robots from entering areas restricted to humans. It’s the biggest sign that Max’s programming works much differently than was intended. The evolution of Max’s character is a highlight.

This book offers an innovative perspective on life among adolescents. The characters represent stereotypical personas someone might find in middle school. No one wants to be friends with Roxanne, although Max is the exception in this story. The characters interact based on their programming, and some don’t adapt well when things don’t go as expected. Just Libby is especially sensitive to the changes. However, other characters become more creative once they sense encouragement.

What didn’t work as well:

The author inserts pages describing the different kinds of robots early in the book, which helps to understand them. Other pages later in the book describe interviews and advertisements for them and for settling on Mars. The later pages aren’t as helpful and aren’t necessary.

The final verdict:

An important message in the story is to think for yourself. The atmosphere of the story is reminiscent of the confusing years of middle grades, but the setting and conflict make it unusual. It’s a thought-provoking book, and I recommend you give it a shot.

The Tale of Iśva Raman by Najeev Nadarajah

What worked:

The story is reminiscent of Percy Jackson or Harry Potter books, because Raman learns the truth about his heritage and the powers locked inside. He even has a burn mark on his forehead! He travels to a world he didn’t know existed to attend a magical school. Harry Potter could have joined Slytherin, and Raman has the potential to become evil or heroic. Controlling his anger will be the deciding factor. Early parts of the story describe things that are “impossible” or have never happened before, so readers will anticipate Raman doing them. Even though the plot bears similarities to other middle-grade novels, it adds its own differences, allowing it to stand apart.

The book is based on Hindu mythology and legend, but it’s set in Canada before shifting to the Temple of the Heart Spring. A large part of the plot involves rakshasas, which are Hindu demons. Raman always thought they were malevolent creatures, but he learns many of them are good. The rakshasas have different strength levels, with the windbear near the bottom and crocotta near the top. Uumadndii are creatures delivering messages, while vanara are servants at the academy. Students at the academy are training to become Kshatriyas who will protect the world from Asuras. A large conflict is the fact that Raman has the potential to become either a Kshatriya or an Asura. Could he be both?

The story features several underdogs, with Raman heading the group. He arrives at the academy to master control of his Shakti, which will allow him to guide his bonded rakshasa in battle, a windbear that can’t fly! However, he unofficially bonds with a nine-tailed agriwolf, which should have been impossible. Bullies at the academy, including two of his roommates, disrespect other students and staff, and Raman frequently steps up to confront them. Readers are aware that Raman has a connection to the legendary Seed, although no one has much of an idea exactly what it is. He’s also attracted to a vanara named Sita, but relationships with vanara are forbidden. The children of a Kshatriya and a vanara will have tainted blood and become Asuras. These problems are only a hint at the troubles awaiting Raman.

What didn’t work as well:

The amount of Hindu vocabulary may overwhelm some readers, but it’s just a matter of becoming acclimated to it. The word meanings are fairly easy to understand, so it’s not a big deal.

The final verdict:

Readers won’t want to put the book down, which is high praise for any author. The Amazon listing indicates this book is for young adults, but there’s nothing too mature to make it inappropriate for middle grades. The plot builds to an exciting, dramatic climax, and I highly recommend you give this book a shot.

The Classified Catnapping (Mystery at the Biltmore 2) by Colleen Nelson

What worked:

Elodie has learned detective skills from her parents, world-renowned art theft investigators. Young readers will easily follow her step-by-step strategy for solving the mystery, as she examines the different suspects. She first considers motives to see if one person emerges as the prime suspect. Is the catnapper looking for a ransom payment? Is the person angry that the cat inherited the entire fortune of Lucien Saint Martin? Are they jealous of the cat’s world fame as the richest pet and now the star of a movie?

Elodie’s sidekicks are highlights and provide interest beyond solving the case. Oscar dreams of becoming a Hollywood stuntman, constantly practicing parkour and other feats. In this book, he takes up magic and performs card tricks and sleight-of-hand maneuvers. Oscar is ecstatic when he spots his stuntman hero working in the movie being filmed in the apartment’s courtyard. Elodie’s dog, Carnegie, is another amusing character, even though he can’t talk. His cuteness allows him to move about without suspicion, and his sniffing skills help him pursue clues. He plays a large role in solving the crime!

What didn’t work as well:

The entire plot revolves around the missing cat, so there’s not much character development. While Elodie tries to follow her investigative process, she makes some assumptions that lead her to false suspects. This leads to her wondering if she’s cut out to be a successful detective. Oscar and Elodie provide moral support for each other, and it’s just what they need.

The final verdict:

This book is perfect for young middle-grade readers with a love for mysteries. The conflict isn’t overly serious or complicated, and Elodie, Oscar, and Carnegie make a fun group of detectives. I recommend you give this book a shot, along with The Vandehoff Heist.

Evie and Rhino by Neridah McMullin

What worked:

This is a story of heart and love. Evie lost her parents two years ago and hasn’t spoken since that time. Rhino was on his way to an Australian zoo when he became stranded alone and dying on the beach. Each can sense the pain and suffering in the other, as they form an immediate bond. Evie cares for Rhino’s physical and emotional needs, and Rhino becomes a loyal friend. That’s why Evie’s grandfather dreads the heartache Evie will suffer when the zoo inevitably shows up to retrieve their rhinoceros.

Present-tense verbs help to create the feeling of a traditional children’s story. It’s set in the summer of 1891 along the shore of southern Australia. Evie lives alone with her grandfather, although a housekeeper and farmhand are present too. Evie’s innocence is displayed when she tells her grandfather that she’s found a Triceratops dinosaur on the beach. Her two dogs frolic along on her adventures, while a mother hen watches Rhino during his recuperation from his injuries. It’s clear Evie’s home and surroundings are full of love, support, and compassion. Select pages reflect Rhino’s thoughts and feelings as he tries to return Evie’s kindness and encouragement.

It's interesting to note that a ship containing exotic animals actually crashed along the same Australian beach in July of 1801. The drama in the book develops when Grandpa contacts the Melbourne Zoo about finding the missing rhinoceros. This communication starts a countdown to the plot’s climax when zoo representatives will arrive to take Rhino away. Grandpa has a past relationship with the zoo’s owner, and it’s for an unknown reason that was contentious. Readers will wonder about this connection with the zoo owner, which adds a layer of tension to the growing conflict. The son of the zoo owner shows up to take Rhino, but his presence creates an unexpected twist.

What didn’t work as well:

The plot moves slowly and highlights the characters’ emotions, which may not appeal to all middle-grade readers. Evie’s grief over her parents’ deaths isn’t developed, and readers may wonder about Evie’s sudden recovery from mutism. Also, the minor characters could have used more attention.

The final verdict:

This is an emotional story of a young girl dealing with grief and finding solace and comfort in a rhinoceros. It will touch the heartstrings of middle-grade readers, and I recommend you give it a shot.

The Shadow of the World-Famous Nine by Ben Guterson

What worked:

The setting is unique, and some readers might think it’s limited. The story takes place in one building, a nineteen-floor hotel called The Nine. It contains every kind of store or business needed for a puzzling plot. Zandar is staying with his grandmother, Zina, the owner of the hotel, and he, along with his new friend Natasha, solved the mystery of a missing sandstone plate in the previous book. They live on the nineteenth floor, with guests, employees, and merchants making up the cast of characters. The hotel’s long history includes drama that still affects events today. The husband-and-wife owners of The Nine a century ago were on opposing sides concerning the evil Darkbloom. Vladimir has left coded, secret messages for the characters to decipher.

The malevolent spirit named Darkbloom is determined to destroy The Nine. A mystery unfolds when Zander finds a hidden message that may stop Darkbloom. Readers will become suspicious of a man in a purple suit, especially when Zander sees him next to a disappearing stall selling fezzes. Curiously, Zander is the only character able to see the spirit, but his mind and willpower are strong enough to withstand its influence. Other characters become possessed and behave strangely, and Natasha is almost killed while performing in one of The Nine’s restaurants. The characters learn that Zander and Natasha are being targeted. Darkbloom’s manipulation activates a destructive spell that won’t take full effect until seven days have passed. This deadline adds a countdown clock to build suspense as the days pass.

The plot provides plenty of opportunities for creative thinking that puzzle and mystery lovers will enjoy. Zander discovers a message in a Kaminsky box that says to find the last letter. This cryptic message is an ongoing focus of the plot. Zander also enjoys reading hotel magazines created by Vladimir and solving different types of puzzles and codes. Readers will be able to try their hands at them, and thankfully, the book provides solutions and explanations too. Zander finally realizes that solving these magazine puzzles provides clues to help solve the mysteries of how to stop Darkbloom and how to reverse the spell destroying The Nine.

What didn’t work as well:

There are a lot of characters with uncommon names to remember in the nineteen-story hotel. Most books create mental maps of settings that are flat and horizontal, while the setting in this book goes up and down, vertically. This small difference makes readers change their thinking when creating mental images. It’s not hard, just different.

The final verdict

I haven’t read the first book, but it’s easy to enjoy this one independently. The whole plot is mystery and problem solving, with some supernatural thrown in. Zander leads the deep thinkers, and his bravery helps resolve the problem of Darkbloom. I recommend you try this book for yourself.

Defanged by H.E. Edgmon

What worked:

This book offers an interesting take on vampire stories. Vampires walk the streets with humans, but they’re expected to be defanged when they reach the age of twelve. It’s not a law yet, but there’s a debate in the courts trying to guarantee their rights. The book becomes a civil rights story as Lux, the main character, tries to figure out if he really wants to be defanged. His parents take him to the Vampirism Sucks clinic for the procedure, but he thinks his father won’t like him no matter what he does. His best friend tells him about a secret location where vampires can live among themselves, but Lux still isn’t sure what he wants to do even after arriving there.

Nox Urbus is the underground city of vampires, and Lux must trudge through dark, smelly sewage to find it. He’s expecting murderous monsters full of bloodlust, so he’s apprehensive about his decision to go there. One of the first vampires he meets is a huge man covered in tattoos named Dog, which reinforces Nox’s grizzly expectations. Nox shares a room with two other young vampires, and these characters provide their own curiosities. Nox is wary when he’s around Cowboy, because there’s a mean, dangerous version and one that’s more normal. Nox can’t figure out Finnie because of her hairy knuckles and remarkable agility. The story will eventually reveal the hidden truths behind these characters, which adds to the mystery of Vampirism Sucks. VS is the real villain in the book.

Lux loves all animals, excluding rats, but he has a harder time dealing with humans. He can’t understand inferences and nonverbal signals, so he struggles to communicate appropriately. He’s apt to miss the meaning of facial expressions and blurt a comment that may be insensitive or inappropriate. He fears things he doesn’t know, so traveling to Nox Urbus is a huge change for him. He doesn’t understand bravery, but readers will notice he’s forced to show signs of it when things worsen. Young readers may appreciate his problems when interacting with other characters, because his thought processes are explained while trying to figure them out.

What didn’t work as well:

Readers might not be satisfied with the plot’s resolution. The plot reaches a climax but then immediately moves to the epilogue. It feels like there’s more story to tell, and readers might expect a sequel to answer lingering questions.

The final verdict:

Young readers enjoy stories with unusual creatures, and this book gives the vampires common emotions mixed with the drama of VS. The plot includes small twists that build to an exciting climax. I recommend you give this book a shot.

The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne by Jonathan Stroud

What worked:

Scarlett and Albert Browne are a picture of contrasting personalities. Scarlett is an outlaw, and the book opens right after she’s killed four bandits. She’s used to living on her own in the wild and uses her wits and agility to avoid posses and danger. On the other hand, Albert is naïve about the world, since he doesn’t remember ever being outside the walls of Stonemoor, a prison/hospital. Surprisingly, he’s extremely optimistic and cheerful with his new experiences, which drives Scarlett crazy. Their opposing personalities make their interactions the highlight of the book.

Scarlett’s character is an enigma. Readers don’t know where she comes from or how she becomes an outlaw. Her reputation has spread across all the lands, although she’s known by different aliases in different towns. Where did she learn her legendary thieving skills? Scarlett can be rather ruthless, so what motivates her to help Albert? Scarlett’s abilities with weapons are unbelievable, and they get her out of many dangerous situations. Readers may be surprised by her intelligence, though. Scarlett can’t read minds, but she always seems to know what others will do and plans accordingly. How many times can she escape situations where she’s outnumbered and outgunned?

The future version of Earth reflects the effects of world devastation. Trucks are the only form of rapid transportation, and boats with small motors or oars navigate the waterways. The area where London is located now has small islands along the Thames. Albert hopes to live safely there, since rumors say the people there will accept anyone, even deviants like himself. Visitors can find the Great Ruins, but readers are left to wonder what they might be. The Faith Houses now rule most of the lands, and most oppressed citizens live in fear. The Faith Houses support the experiments being done in Stonemoor, and agents use force if anyone opposes them. Wild creatures roam the lands, with Taints being the most feared.

What didn’t work as well:

The mystery surrounding Scarlett is interesting, but readers might want to know more about her past.  Also, the book is probably most appropriate for mature middle-grade readers due to its violent nature. The book doesn’t have detailed descriptions, but violence feels like a part of life and is to be expected.

The final verdict:

Readers at the older end of middle grade will enjoy Scarlett and Albert with their sarcastic, playful bantering. I’ve already read the next two books in the series and can tell you they venture in a new direction that’s equally entertaining. I highly recommend you give it a shot.